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What is Bonsai?
Trees found growing naturally in the rocky crevices of high mountains may live
for a century or more, yet remain dwarfed throughout their existence. Wind-blown,
gnarled and twisted, their weather-included appearance captivates our interest
and respect just as it did for the Chinese and Japanese many centuries ago. Such
trees are worthy of our respect for their struggle against adversity which brings
out qualities not seen in other trees. When grown in appropriate containers these
trees become a form of living art that everyone can enjoy. These dwarfed, potted
trees soon become the famous "Bonsai" of Chinese and Japanese ancestry.
The term "Bonsai" (pronounced "bone-sigh") is derived from
the Japanese term "hon" meaning tray and "sai" meaning tree.
Thus, it's literal translation means tree in a tray. To the experienced eye, bonsai
represents the artistic use of gardening techniques to develop a tree into a miniaturized
version of its counterpart in nature. Bonsai is not a specific type of tree. There
are no bonsai trees, only trees that have gone through the process of bonsai.
In practice, bonsai is the art of selecting a plant which has the potential of
becoming a dwarfed replica of its full-grown counterpart in nature. In bonsai
we strive to dwarf such trees by combining the latest scientific techniques with
the ancient techniques developed by the Chinese and Japanese. Our bonsai are never
starved for vital elements, i.e. water, fertilizer, or light. Quite the contrary.
Our bonsai are given sufficient quantities of all these vital, life-giving elements.
It is through confinement in small, specially-designed ceramic containers, combined
with trimming and wiring techniques, that we are able to dwarf our trees into
the shapes we desire.
The History of Bonsai
Bonsai has its origins first in China, then, later in Japan, where it was and
remains an expression of the harmony between man and nature. It's spiritual roots
lie in the Oriental philosophy of life, which strives for perfect harmony between
man and nature. In China this ancient art of miniature trees is referred to as
"p'en tsai." It dates back to the Han Dynasty about 210 B.C. It appears
as bonsai in Japanese writings in the year 1310. It is the Japanese who must be
given the credit for introducing the art of bonsai to the Western world at the
World's Fair in 1878. More, recently, in 1976, as a salute to the U.S. Bicentennial,
the Japanese Bonsai Society donated a fabulous collection of bonsai to the United
States National Arboretum in Washington, D.C. This display of approximately thirty
trees is valued in the millions of dollars.
General Care and Maintenance of Bonsai
A well cared for bonsai can become a very rare and valuable friend. Some become,
like fine works of art, priceless commodities. In recent times some of the older
Japanese Bonsai have sold for millions of dollars. And, of course, these trees
must be properly cared for. Such care should include the correct soil mixture,
watering, fertilizing and repotting when needed.
Where To Keep Bonsai
Bonsai should be kept in a well-lighted place, sheltered from the direct rays
of the summer sun, the majority of the time. Such diverse locations as a garden,
an open balcony, a patio, by a pool, a roof garden, or nestled comfortably on
a ledge near an open window in a home can allow your tree to be exposed to the
sun, wind, and rain that it needs in order to thrive. Bonsai may be brought inside
the house as a decoration for a few days at a time. However, one should not hope
to keep bonsai indoors at all times. The best scheme for a bonsai location is
to keep the bonsai outside Monday through Friday where it gets good exposure to
nature, then on Saturday and Sunday bring your bonsai inside and place it wherever
you like as long as it is not placed directly in the path of a heating or air
conditioning vent.
Watering Bonsai
Probably more trees die as a result of improper watering than any other single
cause. The best way to determine when to water your tree is to stick your finger
through the moss into the soil. If the soil is damp and cold, do not water the
tree that day. Only water the tree when your finger stays dry and the top of the
soil is starting to dry. The lower roots will still be moist but this is a good
signal to water your tree. When the soil becomes watered properly, water will
just begin to drip through the drainage holes. A garden hose with a sprayer attachment
or a water container with a similar attachment are the most effective and expedient
methods for watering bonsai. Always water through the foliage. The spray in any
case should be fine enough so the surrounding soil is not eroded away.
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